LG G2 debuts with 2.26 GHz quad-core processer, 13MP camera, and support on all four major carriers

LG today announced its 2013 flagship smartphone, the LG G2, with the kind of specifications that may please the many consumers disappointed by the Moto X. For starters, the phone features the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 that offers 2.26 GHz in each of its four cores. The Snapdragon also has extended battery life, 4G LTE Advanced, and enhanced graphics.

The LG G2 places the volume and power buttons at the back of the phone directly below the camera. LG claims that's where consumers typically place their index fingers, and that's why they decided to create the sides of the device button-free. That maintains symmetry and clean lines as part of the aesthetic. It's a strange yet interesting change of pace. The button relocation also allows users to do things like press a hardware button to take self-portraits with the rear camera or launching QuickMemo.

The G2 has a 5.2-inch display, chosen because that's the biggest size that can still accommodate one-handed use by the average consumer. The IPS display has a 1080p HD resolution (1920x1080, 423ppi). It also has 2GB of RAM, a 3,000 mAh battery, 16GB or 32GB of storage, a 2.1-megapixel front camera, and a 13-megapixel camera with optical image stabilization.

LG says that the G2 will go on sale at all four of the major U.S. cameras. The phone will run LG's custom user experience and software based on Android 4.2. Those features include Answer me, a setting that answers incoming calls by putting the phone next to the ear. It also has Guest Mode to allow only certain apps to load when the owner lends his or her phone to someone else, and the QuickRemote feature.